Biennale Argilla

Aubagne, European capital of ceramics

Every two years, in August, Aubagne transforms into the European capital of ceramics for Argilla, the largest international pottery market on the continent. For over twenty years, this biennial event has brought together around 200 exhibitors from 17 nationalities in the city center streets, attracting over 80,000 visitors in a single weekend. Aubagne, a city historically linked to clay and the tradition of santons (traditional Provençal figurines), finds in Argilla the contemporary and international expression of its ancestral know-how.

An exceptional international market

Argilla is not just a market; it's a true international fair of ceramics in all its forms. The 200 exhibitors, selected by an international jury, present a dizzying array of creations: jewelry, musical instruments, decorative pieces, utility pottery, earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and sculptures. Each edition highlights a guest country — Portugal in 2023, Italy in 2025 — which brings its ceramic tradition and exceptional artisans.

Turning championships and demonstrations

Argilla is also the stage for spectacular competitions. The biennale hosts the French Pottery Turning Championship and, starting in 2025, the very first European Championship, organized in partnership with the Association des Potiers méditerranéens de Menton and the École de Céramique de Provence. These competitions, open to professionals, students, and amateurs over 18 years old, combine technical and artistic challenges, with an awards ceremony at the closing event. Pottery turning demonstrations and introduction workshops are offered throughout the weekend for all ages.

Exhibitions, workshops, and activities for everyone

Alongside the market, Argilla offers a rich cultural program. Themed exhibitions are set up in Aubagne's heritage sites, such as the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs, which hosts exhibitions dedicated to the ceramics of the guest country. Ceramic painting workshops are open to children, with free pieces. A summer market for ceramics and santons is set up on Place Foch in the weeks before and after the biennale, integrated into the Argilla route.